1

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

N A S W National Association of Social Workers ~ California Chapter

Steps to a California LCSW for MSW Applicants

This document reflects the January 1, 2016 LCSW licensure and exam process and targets the

following individuals:

(1) MSW students and graduates who are considering a California LCSW license; and

(2) Associate social workers (ASWs) who will sit for licensure exams after January 1, 2016.

California Licensing Board Exam Information as of 2016

The BBS provides information about the two new LCSW exams and subsequent changes to the licensure process on its website at http://bbs.ca.gov/exams/exam_news.shtml. This webpage outlines critical information about “how the exam changes will impact” new and existing candidates. Additionally, the BBS included pertinent information and two helpful charts in its Winter 2016 Newsletter, which can be accessed at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/newsletters/winter_2016.pdf.

Important

The terms “registrant” refers to an individual who is registered with the licensing board (BBS) as an associate clinical social worker (ASW), marriage and family therapist intern (IMF), etc. and who is gaining hours towards a California mental health licensure while being supervised by a licensed practitioner.

Working with the BBS staff and LCSW consultants, the NASW-CA chapter updates this document annually. However, the content may not reflect all of the most recent changes to regulations and requirements. Each registrant has the responsibility for obtaining the most

recent and updated information. Consequently, registrants must stay abreast of changes through the BBS website and by subscribing to the BBS automated email alerts at https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bbs/subscribe.php. This document was last updated on January 20, 2016.

Outline of Topics

Section 1: Social Work Employment and License in California

Section 2: California’s Licensing Board – The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

Section 3: Steps to a California LCSW License

Section 4: The Most Common Applicant Mistakes

Section 5: Summary of Resources

2

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

Section 1: Social Work Employment and License in California

Social Work Licensing and Employment Requirements Vary from State to State Social work licensing and employment requirements vary significantly from state to state. To view licensing requirements for each state, visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website at https://www.aswb.org/licensees/ and utilize the search tool to find a specific state’s social work licensing board and related information.

Employment as a Social Worker in California

In California, individuals with MSW degrees can be employed as social workers without holding

a social work license. However, to hold oneself out to the public as a clinical social worker or to offer one’s services as “psychotherapy,” the social worker must obtain a MSW from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school and earn a California LCSW, the one and only social work license in California.

Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy Defined by California Law

The following excerpt was copied from Chapter 14 of the California Board of Behavioral

Sciences (BBS) Statutes and Regulations, which is an annually updated PDF document that can be accessed at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf.

4996.9. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK AND PSYCHOTHERAPY DEFINED.

The practice of clinical social work is defined as a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and the part unconscious motivation plays in determining behavior, is directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments. The application of social work principles

and methods includes, but is not restricted to, counseling and using applied psychotherapy of a non-medical nature with individuals, families, or groups; providing information and referral services; providing or arranging for the provision of social services; explaining or interpreting the psychosocial aspects in the situation of

individuals, families, or groups; helping communities to organize, to provide, or to improve social or health services; or doing research related to social work.

Psychotherapy, within the meaning of this chapter (Chapter 14) is the use of

psychosocial methods within a professional relationship, to assist the person or persons to achieve a better psychosocial adaptation, to acquire greater human realization of psychosocial potential and adaptation, to modify internal and external conditions which affect individuals, groups, or communities in respect to behavior,

emotions, and thinking, in respect to their intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.

Social Work Job Search in California For strategies, resources, job announcements, and networking opportunities, visit the

NASW California Chapter website at http://www.naswca.org/?156 under “Career Center.”

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

3

Section 2: California Licensing Board – The BBS

The California State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

As the licensing and regulatory body, the primary function of the California State Board of

Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is to protect the well-being of consumers by setting standards for mental health professionals through effective communication, education, examination, licensing, and enforcement. The BBS issues and annually updates the document titled, Statutes and Regulations Related to LCSWs, LMFTs, LEPs, and LPCCs. Chapter 14 of this document is specific

to clinical social work. The entire PDF document is available at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf.

It is most productive for registrants (ASWs) to view the functions of the BBS as positive and necessary. Applicants must be proactive and take full responsibility for knowing, understanding, and meeting all licensure requirements. The deadlines are part of the regulations; consequently, there can be no exceptions regardless of a registrant’s circumstances.

BBS Contact Information

California State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite S-200, Sacramento, CA 95834

Website: www.bbs.ca.gov

Contact Info: www.bbs.ca.gov/contact.shtml BBS Subscriber List

The BBS uses this free, automated email service to notify registrants and licensees about updates and changes. Subscribe today at www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bbs/subscribe.php.

Section 3: Steps to a California LCSW License

Overview of Basic Steps to Becoming a California LCSW

In the following pages of the document, each of these steps is discussed in more detail.

Step 1: Out of State Applicants: Obtain California Law and Ethics Training

Step 2: Register with the BBS as an Associate Social Worker (ASW)

Step 3: Find an Appropriate Work Setting and Qualified Supervisor

Step 4: Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam

Step 5: Complete Required Clinical Experience and Supervision

Step 6: Complete All Required Post-Master’s Coursework

Step 7: Pass the ASWB Clinical Level Exam

Sept 8: Submit the LCSW Application

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

4

Step 1—Out of State Applicants: Obtain California Law and Ethics Training

Individuals who hold a MSW degree from outside of California are required to obtain 18 hours of California law and ethics training to apply as an associate social worker (ASW), which is the

California designation for those registered with the licensing board and obtaining hours towards licensure. For details, visit www.bbs.ca.gov/app-reg/lcs_requirement.shtml.

(1) Applicants who earned an MSW degree from outside of California must obtain 18 hours

of California law and professional ethics training through a BBS recognized CE provider

PRIOR to registering as an associate social worker (ASW).

(2) Applicants who earned an MSW degree from a California university do not need to obtain this training because the BBS has determined that this subject matter has been

incorporated into their California MSW programs. This is not to say that candidates with California degrees will be completely prepared for the Law and Ethics Exam. In all likelihood, all exam candidates will need to study and prepare for this exam.

BBS Recognized California Law and Ethics Training

The NASW-CA Online Program is a BBS recognized provider of the 18 hour California law and ethics training. To view the pre-licensure online courses, visit www.socialworkweb.com/nasw/choose/pre.cfm#prelicense_law_ethics. Once paid for, online content is available 24/7 from any computer for 24 months from the date of registration.

Step 2—Register as an Associate Social Worker (ASW)

International Degrees

Before applying as an ASW, individuals with master’s degrees in social work from outside of the U.S. must contact the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to determine if their degree meets U.S. degree requirements. For international social work degree evaluation service, visit www.cswe.org.

Complete ASW Application

Download the ASW application at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/aswapp.pdf. Because the BBS regularly revises applications, download the application when ready to complete it. Before submitting an ASW application, ensure that the official transcript has the qualifying degree posted. Ensure that questions about criminal history are answered accurately. If the ASW application is rejected because it is incomplete, all deficiencies must be corrected within one year of notification; otherwise, the BBS abandons the file.

Online Renewal System and Change of Address

The following excerpt was copied from the BBS website regarding the online “BreEZe System,”

which can be assessed on the BBS home page at www.bbs.ca.gov.

The BBS is pleased to introduce the Department of Consumer Affairs' BreEZe Online Services for individuals licensed or registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs or one of its Boards or Bureaus. Current services available include: Change of Address, Renew a License or Registration and Verify a License or Registration.

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

5

Every ASW’s registration must be renewed annually. It is the registrants’ and licensees’ responsibility to send in the renewal application on time, whether they receive a renewal notice from the BBS or not. As will be discussed, the California Law and Ethics Exam must be taken (not necessarily passed) before each registration renewal. For details, visit www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/renewal_registrant.shtml.

Once registered with the BBS, any changes to his or her address must be reported to the BBS in writing within 30 days of the change using BreEZE at www.bbs.ca.gov/vo/index.shtml.

NASW-CA Recommendations It is advisable for applicants to maintain one or two files for all license related information. Having one location for applications, transcripts, certificates, forms, etc. can help to avoid some

of the most common pitfalls.

Step 3—Find an Appropriate Work Setting and Qualified Supervisor

Work Setting Requirements

This section was copied from Chapter 14 of the BBS Statutes and Regulations at: www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf.

§4996.23. SUPERVISED POST-MASTER'S EXPERIENCE CRITERIA EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2002

(e) Experience shall only be gained in a setting that meets both of the following:

(1) Lawfully and regularly provides clinical social work, mental health counseling, or psychotherapy.

(2) Provides oversight to ensure that the associate's work at the setting meets the experience and supervision requirements set forth in this chapter and is within the scope of practice for the profession as defined in Section 4996.9.

(f) Experience shall not be gained until the applicant has been registered as an associate clinical social worker.

(g) Employment in a private practice as defined in subdivision (h) shall not commence until the applicant has been registered as an associate clinical social worker.

(h) A private practice setting is a setting that is owned by a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed psychologist, a licensed physician and surgeon, or a professional corporation of any of those licensed professions.

(i) If volunteering, the associate shall provide the board with a letter from his or her employer verifying his or her voluntary status upon application for licensure.

(j) If employed, the associate shall provide the board with copies of his or her W-2 tax forms for each year of experience claimed upon application for licensure.

(k) While an associate may be a paid employee or volunteer, employers are encouraged to provide fair remuneration to associates.

(l) An associate shall not do the following:

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

6

(1) Receive any remuneration from patients or clients and shall only be paid by his or her employer.

(2) Have any proprietary interest in the employer's business.

(3) Lease or rent space, pay for furnishings, equipment, or supplies, or in any other way pay for the obligations of his or her employer.

(m) An associate, whether employed or volunteering, may obtain supervision from a person not employed by the associate's employer if that person has signed a written

agreement with the employer to take supervisory responsibility for the associate's social work services.

(n) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, associates and applicants for examination shall receive a minimum of one hour of supervision per week for each setting in which

he or she is working. Evaluating Work Settings

Applicants must carefully evaluate work settings to ensure that they can obtain the 3200 clinical hours, including 104 weeks of clinical supervision. Additionally, ASWs must be certain they are supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor, who has the knowledge, skill, authority, and responsibility to direct his or her clinical work. Important: Employed ASWs must be paid as employees. ASWs cannot be paid as independent contractors (utilizing the IRS 1099 tax form)

until they obtain a California LCSW license. Qualified Supervisors for ASWs

For a list of the qualifications required to supervise ASWs, visit the following two web pages: www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/asw_supervisor_info.pdf and www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/asw_supervision.shtml.

Required Clinical Supervision Training for ASW Supervisors

On January 11, 2016, the following was copied from the BBS website. Readers should check the following website in the event of changes www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/asw_supervision.shtml.

LCSWs and LMFTs supervising an ASW must:

Possess a current and valid California license,

Be licensed in California or another state for at least two years prior to the commencement of supervision,

Complete a minimum 15 contact hours in supervision training,

And have practiced psychotherapy or directly supervised associates or marriage and family therapist interns or trainees who perform psychotherapy as part of their clinical practice in two of the past five years immediately preceding the

commencement of supervision. NOTE: ASWs are required to obtain 1,700 hours of the total 3,200 hours of post-master's degree experience under a LCSW to qualify for licensure.

LCSWs and LMFTs supervising ASWs must complete a minimum of 15 contact hours in supervision training prior to commencement of supervision. Once

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

7

completed, the licensee does not need to complete it again before supervising future ASWs.

Additional information about qualified supervisors can be found in a PDF document at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/asw_supervisor_info.pdf.

BBS Recognized Clinical Supervision Training

NASW-CA is a BBS recognized provider of the 15 hour clinical supervision training both live and

online courses.

For online course details, visit www.socialworkweb.com/nasw/choose/clinical.cfm.

For live course details, visit www.naswca.org/?page=110.

Contracting with an Outside Supervisor

If possible, it is best to look for a work setting where the employer provides a supervisor. If this is not the case, it is the responsibility of the ASW to find an “outside” supervisor. This often means paying for supervision. If an ASW obtains outside supervision, the BBS requires the contracted supervisor to sign a written agreement assuming legal responsibility for the ASW’s work. The practitioner who is contracted to provide supervision must have the authority to direct the supervisee’s work and assume responsibility for the supervisee’s work. This means that the ASW’s employer must be willing to relinquish such authority to the “outside” supervisor. An outside “consultant” who has only an educational, advisory function will not meet the BBS clinical supervision requirements. View a “sample” letter provided by the BBS for contracting with an “outside” supervisor at

www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcs_sample_letter_agreement.pdf.

BBS ASW/LCSW Supervision Forms

LCSW Supervisory Responsibility Statement

www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcrespon.pdf

Supervisor Resources www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/supervisor_resource.shtml

A Guide to Supervision www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/asw_supervision_brochure.pdf

ASW Supervision Information

www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/asw_supervisor_info.pdf

Supervisory Plan www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/supplan.pdf

Step 4—Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam

As of January 1, 2016, ASWs must pass the first exam (the California Law and Ethics Exam), complete the required 3200 hours of clinical experience, and obtain all required post-master’s coursework BEFORE they can apply to take the second exam (the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Exam). After passing the ASWB Clinical Level Exam, ASWs can submit the LCSW application.

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

8

The California Law and Ethics Exam (1st CA Exam) Within the first year of registering as an ASW and before their first renewal, ASWs must sit for the California Law and Ethics Exam. The registrant must take this exam at least once per year until successfully passing it.

1. If successful, the ASW has completed the first of two required exams for licensure.

2. If unsuccessful, the ASW must take a 12 hour law and ethics training before applying to

retake this exam. This requirement is detailed in the BBS Statutes and Regulations.

§4992.09. CALIFORNIA LAW AND ETHICS EXAMINATION

(c) If an applicant fails the California law and ethics examination, he or she may retake the examination, upon payment of the required fees, without further application except for as provided in subdivision (d). (d) If a registrant fails to obtain a passing score on the California law and ethics examination described in subdivision (a) within his or her first renewal period on or after the operative date of this section, he or she shall complete, at a minimum, a 12-hour course in California law and ethics in order to be eligible to participate in the California law and ethics examination. Registrants shall only take the 12-hour California law and ethics course once during a renewal period. The 12-hour law and ethics course required by the section shall be taken through a board-approved continuing education provider, a county, state or governmental entity, or a college or

university. (e) The board shall not issue a subsequent registration number unless the registrant has passed the California law and ethics examination.

The BBS provides information about the California Law and Ethics Exam on its website at

http://bbs.ca.gov/exams/exam_news.shtml. The following excerpt was copied from this web page.

A California Law and Ethics Exam will replace the Standard Written Exam for LCSW

applicants. It is designed to assess the applicant's knowledge of and ability to apply legal and ethical standards relating to clinical practice. This will consist of 75 multiple-choice items administered over a two-hour period. The re-exam waiting period for the exam is 90 days.

The following was copied from the BBS document titled “LCSW California Law and Ethics Examination Content Outline,” which explains the content of this law and ethics exam. To access the 11-page document, visit http://bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lcsw_2016-law- ethics_exam_plan.pdf.

LCSW California Law and Ethics Examination Content Outline

I. Law (40%)

A. Confidentiality, Privilege, and Consent 14% B. Limits to Confidentiality/Mandated Reporting 16% C. Legal Standards for Professional Practice 10%

II. Ethics (60%)

A. Professional Competence and Preventing Harm 18%

B. Therapeutic Relationship/Services 27% C. Business Practices and Policies 15%

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

9

BBS Recognized Mandated 12-hour Coursework The NASW-CA Online Program is a BBS recognized provider of the 12 hour mandated law and ethics training. For details, visit www.socialworkweb.com/nasw/choose/pre.cfm.

Step 5—Complete the Required Experience and Supervision

The following section was copied from Chapter 14 of the BBS Statutes and Regulations. The

licensing statutes and regulations are specific to the date the applicant is provided an ASW number. For those who register on or after January 1, 2002 the following applies:

§4996.23. SUPERVISED POST-MASTER'S EXPERIENCE CRITERIA EFFECTIVE JANUARY

1, 2002

The experience required by subdivision (c) of Section 4996.2 shall meet the following criteria:

(a) All persons registered with the board on and after January 1, 2002, shall have at least 3,200 hours of post-master's degree supervised experience providing clinical social work services as permitted by Section 4996.9. At least 1,700 hours shall be gained under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. The remaining

required supervised experience may be gained under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional acceptable to the board as defined by a regulation adopted by the board. This experience shall consist of the following:

(1) A minimum of 2,000 hours in clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, including psychotherapy or counseling. (2) A maximum of 1,200 hours in client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, and research. (3) Of the 2,000 clinical hours required in paragraph (1), no less than 750 hours shall be face-to-face

individual or group psychotherapy provided to clients in the context of clinical social work services. (4) A minimum of two years of supervised experience is required to be obtained over a period of not less than 104 weeks and shall have been gained within the six years immediately preceding the date on which the application for licensure

was filed. (5) Experience shall not be credited for more than 40 hours in any week.

(b) "Supervision" means responsibility for, and control of, the quality of clinical social work services being provided. Consultation or peer discussion shall not be considered to be supervision.

(c) (1) Prior to the commencement of supervision, a supervisor shall comply with all requirements enumerated in Section 1870 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations and shall sign under penalty of perjury the "Responsibility Statement for

Supervisors of an Associate Clinical Social Worker" form.

(2) Supervised experience shall include at least one hour of direct supervisor contact for a minimum of 104 weeks. For purposes of this subdivision, "one hour of direct

supervisor contact" means one hour per week of face-to-face contact on an individual basis or two hours of face-to-face contact in a group conducted within the same week as the hours claimed.

(3) An associate shall receive at least one additional hour of direct supervisor contact for every week in which more than 10 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy is

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

10

performed in each setting in which experience is gained. No more than five hours of supervision, whether individual or group, shall be credited during any single week.

(4) Group supervision shall be provided in a group of not more than eight supervisees and shall be provided in segments lasting no less than one continuous hour.

(5) Of the 104 weeks of required supervision, 52 weeks shall be individual supervision, and of the 52 weeks of required individual supervision, not less than 13 weeks shall be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker.

(6) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), an associate clinical social worker working for a governmental entity, school, college, or university, or an institution that is both a nonprofit and charitable institution, may obtain the required weekly direct supervisor

contact via live two-way videoconferencing. The supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that client confidentiality is preserved.

(d) The supervisor and the associate shall develop a supervisory plan that describes the goals and objectives of supervision. These goals shall include the ongoing

assessment of strengths and limitations and the assurance of practice in accordance with the laws and regulations. The associate shall submit to the board the initial original supervisory plan upon application for licensure.

ASW Related Forms and Publications For all ASW/LSCW related documents, including those listed below, visit www.bbs.ca.gov/forms.shtml#lcsw.

ASW Registration Application Packet

Clinical Social Worker Experience Verification

ASW Weekly Log

LCSW Supervisor Responsibility Statement

Supervisory Plan

LCSW Sample Letter of Agreement – Volunteer or Offsite Supervision

Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions Relating to ASW's

ASW Supervision Information

A Guide to Supervision for ASW's

LCSW Breakdown of Required Experience

Step 6—Complete the Required Post-Masters Coursework

The required post-masters coursework must be completed prior to sitting for the ASWB Clinical Level Exam. The following excerpt was copied from the BBS Statutes and Regulations, Chapter 14, Section 4996.2.

§4996.2. QUALIFICATIONS OF LICENSES and §4996.25 ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK.

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

11

Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting (7 hours)

Human Sexuality (10 hours)

Substance Abuse and Dependency (15 hours)

Spousal Abuse Assessment and Reporting (15 hours for those who entered degree program after 1/1/2004; Course can be any length for those who entered a degree program from 1/1/1995 to 12/31/2003)

Aging and Long Term Care (10 hours for those who entered a degree program on or after 1/1/2004; for all others this is not a pre-licensure requirement)

Coursework Requirements

The BBS allows registrants to obtain all of the required post-masters coursework through online or in-person venues as long as the training meets the specific requirements outlined in the BBS

Statutes and Regulations, and is offered through a BBS recognized CE provider. This coursework can also be met through university coursework if the course appears on an official transcript. For details about BBS recognized CE providers, visit http://bbs.ca.gov/licensees/ce_licensees.shtml.

BBS Approved Pre-licensure Coursework

NASW-California Chapter is a BBS recognized CE provider and offers all of the required pre- license coursework through both live and online venues. For online courses, visit

www.socialworkweb.com/nasw and, for live courses, visit www.naswca.org/?page=163.

Keep Original Copies

The BBS requires registrants to submit the original copies of the certificates of completion for all coursework. This is true unless proof of the requirement is met with a graduate level transcript. It is important that applicants keep certificates in a safe place, as it can be difficult and expensive to replace originals.

Additionally, it is highly recommended that registrants create a copy of all documents submitted to the BBS and the date items were sent. In fact, in mailing documents, applications, etc. to the BBS, it is highly recommended that any envelope be mailed with a request for “return receipt,” which allows the registrant to validate the date the envelope arrived.

Step 7—Pass the ASWB Clinical Level Exam

As indicated previously, ASWs must pass the California Law and Ethics Exam, complete the required clinical experience, and obtain the post-master’s coursework BEFORE they can apply to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Exam. Only after passing the

ASWB Clinical Level Exam can registrants submit the LCSW application, which is the final step in applying for a LCSW license.

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

12

The ASWB Clinical Level Exam (2nd CA Exam) Once the ASW is deemed eligible to sit for the ASWB Clinical Level Exam, the BBS will notify both the ASW and ASWB of the registrant’s eligibility to sit for this exam. Once approved, the ASW will register to take the Clinical Level Exam on the ASWB website at

https://www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/exam-registration/. To keep his or her file active, the registrant must also take the ASWB Clinical Level Exam at least once per year until passing.

1. If successful, applicants can submit a LCSW application packet.

2. If unsuccessful, applicants can register to retake this exam upon payment of the required

fee. For greater details regarding the ASWB Exams, as well as study guides, visit

https://www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/about-the-exams/. The following excerpt was copied from the ASWB website.

The exams provided by the Association of Social Work Boards are used in every U.S. state

as well the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

ASWB develops and maintains four categories of social work licensure exams: Bachelors,

Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.

Not every jurisdiction uses all four categories, so candidates must be sure to check with their individual boards to find out which examinations are appropriate for the jurisdiction in

which they are seeking licensure.

Each examination contains 170 four-option, multiple-choice questions designed to measure minimum competencies at four categories of practice. Only 150 of the 170 items are scored; the remaining 20 questions are pretest items included to measure their

effectiveness as items on future examinations. These pretest items are scattered randomly throughout the examination. Candidates have four hours to complete the test, which is administered electronically.

Step 8—Submit the LCSW Application

The last step in obtaining a California LCSW license takes place after the registrant passes the ASWB Clinical Level Exam. It is at this time that the registrant must download and submit the LCSW application found on the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcsapp.pdf.

Most Common Application Error

According to the BBS, nearly 40% of all applications are returned, and the most common errors in submitting an LCSW application are either failing to follow the instructions or failing to provide required information or documentation. If incomplete, the BBS will return the

application, which causes delays. Important Notation

As indicated in the BBS regulations detailed earlier in this document, Registrants must work under a qualified professional until licensed. Registrants must be supervised by a licensed mental health professional who assumes legal responsibility for their work until they receive

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

13

their California LCSW license. Once the registrant is deemed eligible to sit for the ASWB Clinical

Level Exam, the BBS still requires the registrant to obtain a one hour per week of supervision in each setting they are working. However, supervision is still required for all work that is presented to the public as “clinical social work” or “psychotherapy.” It is critical that registrants and supervisors continue to meet regularly and for whatever time is necessary to ensure clients’

wellbeing because courts expect both parties can (a) demonstrate sufficient supervision activity; (b) meet all legal and professional standards; and (c) provide services that meet the California standard of care. If there should be a lawsuit, both the registrant and the supervisor will be called into court and held accountable.

Section 4: The Most Common Applicant Mistakes

Failing to research and understand California’s licensing process and requirements prior to

beginning the process.

Failing to utilize appropriate resources to answer questions pertaining to licensing

requirements prior to key deadlines.

Failing to be proactive and take full responsibility for the process and requirements.

Failing to become very familiar with the BBS website and referring to it frequently.

Failing to download applications and forms from the Board’s website just prior to completing

them; consequently, submitting out-of-date applications and forms.

Failing to accurately complete the applications and forms, or not submitting originals when

required; therefore, causing delays.

Failing to practice under the supervision of a clinical supervisor that meets all of the BBS

requirements and who stays abreast of the regulations and requirements.

Failing to find appropriate clinical work settings or receiving adequate supervision that can

support the kind of professional development needed to prepare for licensure exams.

Failing to consistently track the hours of experience and clinical supervision utilizing the log

provided by the Board.

Failing to complete the required 3200 hours of experience within the six-year timeframe and

ensuring that 1700 of these hours are gained under an LCSW.

Failing to create a study plan that will adequately prepare the registrant to pass the two

required licensing exams; a plan that incorporates specific strategies and that is implemented a minimum of four to six months prior to sitting for each exam.

Failing to renew the ASW registration each year on time.

Failing to file a written change of name or address with the BBS within 30-days of the

change.

Failing to complete the required coursework through BBS recognized CE providers and

keeping the original certificates of completion.

NASW California Document: Last Update on 01-20-16

14

Once deemed eligible to sit for exams, failing to sit for an exam at least once each year until

both exams are passed.

Failing to seek authoritative answers from experts such as the BBS staff or NASW-CA staff,

rather than asking other registrants or colleagues.

Failing to understand that the LCSW licensing process can be lengthy and the average

amount of time to complete the process is four to six years.

Failing to consider that it may be necessary to pay a licensed practitioner to provide

supervision and to have more than one supervisor in order to obtain the 3200 clinical hours.

Section 5: Summary of Resources

Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

www.bbs.ca.gov

Overview of the LCSW License Requirements www.bbs.ca.gov/app-reg/lcs_requirement.shtml

Navigating the LCSW License Process www.bbs.ca.gov/app-reg/lcs_presentation.shtml

BBS Statutes and Regulation (Chapter 14 is specific to Clinical Social Work)

www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf

Winter 2016 Newsletter (info about new licensure exams) www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/newsletters/winter_2016.pdf

BBS Forms and Publications www.bbs.ca.gov/forms.shtml

BBS Statutes and Regulations www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf

BBS Contact Info www.bbs.ca.gov/contact.shtml

NASW-California Chapter (NASW-CA) www.naswca.org

For online courses, visit www.socialworkweb.com/nasw.

For live courses, visit www.naswca.org/?page=163.

For NASW member services questions, email membership@naswca.org.

For licensing questions, email naswca@naswca.org or tatyana@naswca.org.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) www.socialworkers.org www.helpstartshere.org www.socialworkportal.org

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org